2023 Marc Dickinson "Cosmic" SP/IN

This 2023 Marc Dickinson "Cosmic" is a classical guitar with a spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides, made in Ardmore, Oklahoma – the second of Marc's guitars at GSI, pre-owned and in excellent condition.

"Cosmic" Rosette, Purflings and Tie-Block

This was the second of the two guitars we acquired from Marc in 2023. Its rosette is based on one of his own astrophotography images, of the globular cluster Messier 13, and his "diffraction lines" – diminishing pointed purflings running counter to each other – appear in the top, tie-block, head veneer and rosette. Heard in the video "Constellations", played by Tomasz Fechner with Marc's space images.

Construction and Sound

A solidly traditional 7-fan Hauser/Torres-style bracing system, with laminated sides and linings that enrich sustain and volume, especially on the trebles. Every note is thick with overtones, almost "smoky", but the crisp attack keeps it well defined – warm and clear together, with plenty of power and a voice that's hard to put down.

Condition

Although used, this guitar is in excellent condition, with only very modest wear in the finish.

Marc Dickinson: Physicist and Guitar Maker

Marc Dickinson is a classical guitar maker from Ardmore, Oklahoma. He has multiple advanced degrees in science, including an M.Sc. from the Colorado School of Mines and a Ph.D. in physics from Texas Christian University. His strong scientific background – and particularly his interest in astrophysics and astrophotography – has a great influence on his designs: "cosmic" touches appear in his headstocks, purflings, labels and rosettes.

From Part-Time Builder to Full-Time Workshop

Marc has been building guitars for about 20 years, mainly part-time at first. We first met him about 10 years ago, when he was able to show us his 16th guitar. In 2019 he finally settled into a full-time workshop, where he has since been able to devote himself wholly to building classical guitars. In 2023 we reconnected and were immediately impressed with the fit, finish, style and sound of his latest model – and so began placing orders with him. In fact, we happily became Marc's exclusive dealer for all his instruments!